Princes Park => Robert Heatley Stand => Topic started by: crashlander on September 03, 2026, 09:17:19 pm
Title: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on September 03, 2026, 09:17:19 pm
Ready for tomorrow night.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 03, 2026, 09:20:06 pm
Yep GB
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: rocky on September 04, 2026, 10:38:02 pm
They smashed us. Lucky we got that close. Good ride but I think we all knew we've been lucky. Think we can improve next year. Just a couple of tweaks is all we need. 1. Enough with Young. 2. ..... that's it
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 04, 2026, 11:01:29 pm
It's been a fabulous ride and finally after all these years we go in with some hope next season.
Wildcard showed tonight the benefit of being top 6 at least early in a final series. 2 week break to freshen up, sort injuries and soreness, while the other side is straight up after a hard H & A season. 6 days v 13 days. We started great but were out of legs by mid 2nd qtr. History of the wildcard so far in the VFL shows similar. One wildcard side won the next week, the others have been thumped by an average of a 60pt margin. No issue with that. Top 2 have an advantage sometimes of two home finals finals if needed (ie interstate sides involved) and a double chance, top 4 one home final if needed and a double chance, top 6, a week off, a home final if needed, a week off and play a wildcard side, tired from the previous week. It's how it should be. Wildcard did it job this year in a number of ways.
Now watch the Dogs make a liar of me tomorrow night...haha.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Professer E on September 04, 2026, 11:02:45 pm
Crows will smash the dogs
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LordLucifer on September 04, 2026, 11:22:50 pm
When the bough breaks ...........
Started off like we wanted to really win it, finished like we were still being coached by Voss.
We played Hawthorn a while back in the rain and got spanked, tonight we didn't handle the slippery conditions again. It's clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
What is also of serious concern to me is that some of our players who have been adequate for many weeks, crumbled under the pressure and did some extremely stupid things.
Young & Cottrell were braindead tonite, some of the things they did completely defy logic. Kemp going for the left foot checkside from the right forward pocket only to kick the ball in the middle and float it across goal to the opposite pocket where Cottrell took a chest mark. From the set shot, Cottrell kicked across the body and hit the post - two appalling choices let down by poor skills. I also wasn't impressed with Cottrell laughing when he hit the post, seriously champ, this is a cut-throat final which requres a little more focus than what you showed.
We got a few bum decisions from the umpires but that is not why we lost, we failed to maintain the pressure & chase like we have seen for many weeks.
Fraser got a coaching lesson tonite, we were all over them early and made them look second-rate, Scott made some subtle changes and they stormed back into the match.
Yes, it's been a really weird year for us with plenty to like but this elimination final showed just how far off the pace our list is and how we cannot cut corners in our pursuit for the ultimate success.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 04, 2026, 11:48:02 pm
Oh well, thanks for the fun ride Baggers, great while it lasted. Geel were too good after quarter time, clearly the 2 weeks off and great coaching allowed them to step up couple of gears. We dropped off intensity after qtr time, to be honest I thought Geel would win by plenty in a final like this. We weren't disgraced, we found out a lot, we learnt a lot, as Fraser keeps saying, we have much work to do. Here's looking to an exciting 2027 (our premiership year according to my mate's premonition many many years ago).
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: JonDorotich on September 04, 2026, 11:49:10 pm
Started off like we wanted to really win it, finished like we were still being coached by Voss.
We played Hawthorn a while back in the rain and got spanked, tonight we didn't handle the slippery conditions again. It's clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
What is also of serious concern to me is that some of our players who have been adequate for many weeks, crumbled under the pressure and did some extremely stupid things.
Young & Cottrell were braindead tonite, some of the things they did completely defy logic. Kemp going for the left foot checkside from the right forward pocket only to kick the ball in the middle and float it across goal to the opposite pocket where Cottrell took a chest mark. From the set shot, Cottrell kicked across the body and hit the post - two appalling choices let down by poor skills. I also wasn't impressed with Cottrell laughing when he hit the post, seriously champ, this is a cut-throat final which requres a little more focus than what you showed.
We got a few bum decisions from the umpires but that is not why we lost, we failed to maintain the pressure & chase like we have seen for many weeks.
Fraser got a coaching lesson tonite, we were all over them early and made them look second-rate, Scott made some subtle changes and they stormed back into the match.
Yes, it's been a really weird year for us with plenty to like but this elimination final showed just how far off the pace our list is and how we cannot cut corners in our pursuit for the ultimate success.
I’d expect that the club knows full well that it needs to upgrade the likes of McGovern/Kemp/Hollands etc to force our way into the top 4. Our shopping list starts with a consistent key forward who can kick, a mobile back, another ruck option, some pace on the wings, & a clever small forward etc. tick two or three of those and we’ll have a great year.
This year gave us so much - a great coach - the return to form & mobility of Cerra & Walsh & McKay - 4 new young guns Jagga, Dean, Wilson & Byrne (4x rising stars) - emergence of Franky Evans!
Next test is securing Cody Walker…
Lots to look forward to.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 04, 2026, 11:58:29 pm
Started off like we wanted to really win it, finished like we were still being coached by Voss.
We played Hawthorn a while back in the rain and got spanked, tonight we didn't handle the slippery conditions again. It's clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
What is also of serious concern to me is that some of our players who have been adequate for many weeks, crumbled under the pressure and did some extremely stupid things.
Young & Cottrell were braindead tonite, some of the things they did completely defy logic. Kemp going for the left foot checkside from the right forward pocket only to kick the ball in the middle and float it across goal to the opposite pocket where Cottrell took a chest mark. From the set shot, Cottrell kicked across the body and hit the post - two appalling choices let down by poor skills. I also wasn't impressed with Cottrell laughing when he hit the post, seriously champ, this is a cut-throat final which requres a little more focus than what you showed.
We got a few bum decisions from the umpires but that is not why we lost, we failed to maintain the pressure & chase like we have seen for many weeks.
Fraser got a coaching lesson tonite, we were all over them early and made them look second-rate, Scott made some subtle changes and they stormed back into the match.
Yes, it's been a really weird year for us with plenty to like but this elimination final showed just how far off the pace our list is and how we cannot cut corners in our pursuit for the ultimate success.
Scott definitely made some tweaks, they really got us on the counter and outside by backing themselves to sit a couple off the contest. Fraser didnt adjust the long kicks to Harry. Not sure how many marks he took but every mark he didnt mark it, when the bal hit the ground Geel punished us by taking it away. They needed to put it bed because Geel were waiting for it every single time. Our fwd line looked dysfunctional by large tonight, Stewart seem to gobble up everything, we played into their hands (literally).
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: RiverRat on September 05, 2026, 12:02:20 am
We played Hawthorn a while back in the rain and got spanked, tonight we didn't handle the slippery conditions again. It's clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
Spot on. The short passing and possession handball game is definitely more risky in the wet.
Apart from the increasingly wet conditions, the other main turning point seems to have been when Dean went off and stayed off injured in the second term. He was not a factor when he returned and Weitering was similarly less effective without Dean's support.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Micky0 on September 05, 2026, 12:10:40 am
I agree, we were not disgraced at all and Geelong was never going to go easy or roll over; so we had our work Cut out for us. Thought we started really well and looked confident and poised mostly then seems fatigue and errors began and Geelong always had more in the tank than us. Some bewildering umpiring but not the reason we lost and at this stage Patrick Dangerfield is top of my list of most loathed oppo players - he is just a flog; hopefully Freo bury them, cant imagine Freo will allow their next game to be lost.
But back to Carlton, proud of the effort and the turnaround of the season, gave us all some great memories and we were even being barracked for by oppo supporters! So getting some respect in the game and our young ones will be the better for 2026!
Bring on 2027!
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 05, 2026, 12:13:21 am
Started off like we wanted to really win it, finished like we were still being coached by Voss.
We played Hawthorn a while back in the rain and got spanked, tonight we didn't handle the slippery conditions again. It's clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
What is also of serious concern to me is that some of our players who have been adequate for many weeks, crumbled under the pressure and did some extremely stupid things.
Young & Cottrell were braindead tonite, some of the things they did completely defy logic. Kemp going for the left foot checkside from the right forward pocket only to kick the ball in the middle and float it across goal to the opposite pocket where Cottrell took a chest mark. From the set shot, Cottrell kicked across the body and hit the post - two appalling choices let down by poor skills. I also wasn't impressed with Cottrell laughing when he hit the post, seriously champ, this is a cut-throat final which requres a little more focus than what you showed.
We got a few bum decisions from the umpires but that is not why we lost, we failed to maintain the pressure & chase like we have seen for many weeks.
Fraser got a coaching lesson tonite, we were all over them early and made them look second-rate, Scott made some subtle changes and they stormed back into the match.
Yes, it's been a really weird year for us with plenty to like but this elimination final showed just how far off the pace our list is and how we cannot cut corners in our pursuit for the ultimate success.
I’d expect that the club knows full well that it needs to upgrade the likes of McGovern/Kemp/Hollands etc to force our way into the top 4. Our shopping list starts with a consistent key forward who can kick, a mobile back, another ruck option, some pace on the wings, & a clever small forward etc. tick two or three of those and we’ll have a great year.
This year gave us so much - a great coach - the return to form & mobility of Cerra & Walsh & McKay - 4 new young guns Jagga, Dean, Wilson & Byrne (4x rising stars) - emergence of Franky Evans!
Next test is securing Cody Walker…
Lots to look forward to.
I'm happy too we kept faith with young blokes while still trying to make wildcard. Going 10-2-1 from round 10 and only squeezing into a wildcard showed us how far we had to come back from. Normally, if you finished like that you'd think you'd be top 2 or top 4 at least. We were cooked.
We are looking at Amartey. To be honest, I'd rather we look at Jesse Hogan for 2 years while we develop another key forward. Help for Harry. add some class to our forward line. We are suddenly in the "window", as you are when you finish "top of the ladder" the last 14 rounds. and that, plus adding the like of Walker, O'Farrell coming back, Carroll mid year, further development in our young blokes. Not to mention looking at good trades. That could put us really close. It's disappointing but one of the more encouraging 8th place finishes.
Depending too on the outcome of the Swans 5 I'd look at Nick Blakey. There is talk that he was hard done by and might not be happy, but that's talk still. If that's the case, go for him. If that's wrong then don't go for him of course. He's sounds like he is not happy.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Sexybronco on September 05, 2026, 12:17:50 am
We played Hawthorn a while back in the rain and got spanked, tonight we didn't handle the slippery conditions again. It's clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
Spot on. The short passing and possession handball game is definitely more risky in the wet.
Apart from the increasingly wet conditions, the other main turning point seems to have been when Dean went off and stayed off injured in the second term. He was not a factor when he returned and Weitering was similarly less effective without Dean's support.
Second quarter was when the tide turned and being at the game it was evident that their run in the second half was a major factor. Incredibly well coached and prepared for this game, it was simply too much for us to overcome. The rain didn’t help but we were regularly picked off when going for that decisive kick forward. What also stood out over the last 2 weeks is that we need a quality forward who can stand up in big games, neither Harry or Kemp are the answer. Not sure Amarty is either but we seem hell bent on rolling the dice with him. I agree with Laj and would prefer Hogan for 2 years while we develop a longer term option. 2027 will be a true test of what Wright and Davies plans for the club will deliver.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on September 05, 2026, 01:04:53 am
A few thoughts:
[1] Our possessions game doesn't stand up in the wet. We use the ball a lot. Our skills have improved a lot, but when it was slippery we overused the ball badly. Our skills fall away in the wet. We need another gear and style when the weather is like it was tonight. What have all 3 of our losses since Fraser got on board have in common? Wet weather. That is an area we really need to address as we head into 2027.
[2] Another issue that arose when the rain came was that the umpires started umpiring differently. Our tackles were not rewarded. Geelong got some very ordinary, incredibly soft frees. We lost more than a little confidence when we were not rewarded for our hard work.
[3] I doubt that Dangerfield will be able to repeat his effort again this season. Things really went his way. He was a champion, he is now a player who can produce an occasional big effort, but not a consistent one. For all that, we don't really have a player designed to play on him. Cowan gets the job, but Dangerfield has maybe 10 kg of muscle on him and a lot of umpire attention.
[4] Like in the Voss days, our turnovers are coach killers: We were outcoached this time, Geelong were ready for the way we move the ball and how fragile it is in less than perfect conditions. Our turnovers provided them with most of their score. We were unable to return the favour. Also, we were turning the ball over in the middle, which gave them far too many opportunities.
[5] We got out tackles after 1/4 time: We were up 19 tackles to 8 in the first quarter. We got belted after that. They had a lot more tackles after that.
[6] Some of our guys had absolute shockers: Mitch McGovern couldn't get near it. Part of the problem was that we weren't moving the ball like we usually do, but that wasn't everything. Lewis Young had a shocker: he got beaten in the ruck, he fumbled the ball terribly, he couldn't get the ball to a teammate. He will probably survive, but we need someone better for the job. Harry Dean had probably his least effective game. He was bowled over, but he never got into the game at all.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: cookie2 on September 05, 2026, 03:57:14 am
Part of our learning curve and development of our young players. I am left disappointed for our guys and coaches but full of optimism for next year.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on September 05, 2026, 04:45:49 am
It rained much heavier early and that was the trigger for the momentum swing, from then we looked heavy legged.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: bobby on September 05, 2026, 07:16:00 am
It rained much heavier early and that was the trigger for the momentum swing, from then we looked heavy legged.
Absolutely. They rocked up in their swimming togs and we were literally fully clothed by comparison.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on September 05, 2026, 07:45:42 am
I suspect there are a variety of emotions around this morning. There will be the bitter disappointment. There will be feelings of a wasted opportunity (close but no cigar), and there will also be the positive ‘looking to next year’ point of view.
Some of us will feel all of these things. It will mostly be based on our own expectations, both before the season, and once the season turned and we went on a winning run.
It’s a strange situation, but for me the end of the year doesn’t carry the same level of disappointment as it has in recent times. My own expectations pre-season were that we would finish in about the same position as 2025 and win a similar number of games. So, my expectations were pretty much met. You can’ be unhappy about that.
There are a few things that set us apart from 2025. - Any divisions of last year appear to have disappeared and it’s pretty much a united group. - We have had a reasonable run with injuries. - We’ve also had a bit of luck- if you look back at the season we’ve come up (and won) against some clubs when they’ve been down on form or missing key players. - We have bit of certainty around the coaching position and while that will pretty much depend on how Fraser goes... in the words of the prophet Jagger (no relation-different spelling)-“Time is on ‘his’ side.”
We’ve ended up playing finals, and that’s a real positive. Young players like Byrne may not have gone as well as they have in the regular season, but the experience will stand them in good stead, because they’ll have had that experience and be better prepared next time.
As Fraser has indicated consistently, we are far from the finished product. We still have some key positions to fill and replace.
It’s probably fair to say he was outcoached last night. They came well prepared. They’d obviously done a lot of work on our prime movers, and while not able to completely nullify them their output and effectiveness was much reduced. As a result of that our support players, that second tier group, didn’t get a smooth run and were probably found wanting in a number of cases.
For the younger ones they can file it away as ‘experience’ . For the older ones it’s probably a bit more of an issue, with decisions to be made on their futures. Those with contracts may be playing a fair bit of VFL next year, depending on our trading and drafting.
We missed Hayward and Haynes, but it’s doubtful they would have dramatically affected the result. The score probably flattered us to an extent given their inaccuracy. The weather may have played some small part in some of the skill execution. They pressured us well and as a result we saw a return to some of the hack kicks in defence and rushed disposals that resulted in turnovers. There were a couple of real clangers and brain fades that resulted in opposition goals.
Geelong aren’t a bad side, and you wouldn’t rule out the possibility that they will still be in it after next week’s game against Freo.
The next week or two may see us bidding farewell to quite a few of our older group…and possibly some young ones. The season may be over but the ‘interest’ will still be there for a few months as the wheeling and dealing begins.
One thing that is possibly changing, although we may not see it this trade period, is that we are likely a more attractive destination club than we were. It will be interesting to see what shakes out of the tree once every club’s season has ended.
So ‘all in all’ we probably end 2026 in a much better and more hopeful position than 2025, but there is still work to be done in list building, mastering the game style, and developing the youth.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: PaulP on September 05, 2026, 07:48:57 am
Disappointing way to finish the season IMO. It felt like earlier in the year, where we built up leads only to fritter them away.
I'm not so confident after last night that we have in fact turned a corner. Very good last 10/12/14 weeks of the season then making a bit of a dent in finals seems to be the best we can manage at the moment.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Professer E on September 05, 2026, 07:52:34 am
Bloody rain when we least needed it. We desperately need a reliable key forward so I can understand us looking at Amartey and Hogan...none of our blokes look likely to kick a bag and put the wind up the opposition. I know it was wet and he gets horribly scragged but Harry is just too nice, Kemp burns more chances than an arsonist and McG is just a bit player at best. Young is a bits and pieces player who is a terrible shot for goal. Great effort to get this far but you need established quality to sustain it in finals and not quite players get found out. Playing an elimination game every week for the past 10 rounds hurt too. No Hayward robbed us of a bit of flexibility and some bite.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Thryleon on September 05, 2026, 08:24:53 am
It might be an unpopular opinion, but we talk about making lots of changes after going 12 wins 1 draw and 3 losses (2 in the wet which was more a game plan situation than not) so im not seeing a massive need.
We could go into season 2027 adding not much but that forming in the first 10 weeks and finish top 4.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on September 05, 2026, 08:33:18 am
It might be an unpopular opinion, but we talk about making lots of changes after going 12 wins 1 draw and 3 losses (2 in the wet which was more a game plan situation than not) so im not seeing a massive need.
We could go into season 2027 adding not much but that forming in the first 10 weeks and finish top 4.
It's pretty much a given that winning a flag from position 7-10 is now just about impossible. The wild card has disadvantaged teams 7 and 8 (which was almost an impossible task anyway.)
So what's the goal for next year. Top 4 would be nice...but we'll set the starting height at Top 6. A week's rest and then pick off the wild-card winner. ;) :D
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: bratblue on September 05, 2026, 08:41:51 am
We were beaten at selection and went in to tall for starters. We missed an opportunity to give a fresh Ison a taste. I'm not bitter at all, way to much to like about this season especially compared to what the club has delivered for to many years. Last night showed a lot and this time we're in a happy place to learn from it.
I've never had so much encouragement from opposition supporters and never expected it. I think a new Carlton has emerged and we have a coach who can fit the final pieces together. We needed a Voss to get to a Fraser. Such a big ship to turn around these failing footy clubs and the longer you fail the harder it is and we've been failing for what seems like ever.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 05, 2026, 08:43:00 am
Bloody rain when we least needed it. We desperately need a reliable key forward so I can understand us looking at Amartey and Hogan...none of our blokes look likely to kick a bag and put the wind up the opposition. I know it was wet and he gets horribly scragged but Harry is just too nice, Kemp burns more chances than an arsonist and McG is just a bit player at best. Young is a bits and pieces player who is a terrible shot for goal. Great effort to get this far but you need established quality to sustain it in finals and not quite players get found out. Playing an elimination game every week for the past 10 rounds hurt too. No Hayward robbed us of a bit of flexibility and some bite.
These comments echo those of Fraser, Davies and Wright to date. The list needs a lot of work and from a playing perspective we arent the finished product. I think defensively we are ok, midfield is solid, it's the Rucks and Key Fwds that we have problems with IMO. Pitto is a battler but is not in the class of the top ruckman in the comp, he is also extremely injury prone. Harry is playing a lone hand as a tall up fwd and it shows. McG and Kemp are not the answer as their kicking is far too unreliable.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: madbluboy on September 05, 2026, 08:43:14 am
I think we need to move all of our home games to the MCG or all of them to Marvel.
It's not a coincidence Carlton and Essendon have gone to crap since they don't have a home ground.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 05, 2026, 08:46:54 am
It might be an unpopular opinion, but we talk about making lots of changes after going 12 wins 1 draw and 3 losses (2 in the wet which was more a game plan situation than not) so im not seeing a massive need.
We could go into season 2027 adding not much but that forming in the first 10 weeks and finish top 4.
It's pretty much a given that winning a flag from position 7-10 is now just about impossible. The wild card has disadvantaged teams 7 and 8 (which was almost an impossible task anyway.)
So what's the goal for next year. Top 4 would be nice...but we'll set the starting height at Top 6. A week's rest and then pick off the wild-card winner. ;) :D
The wildcard whilst it provided some excitement for us is nothing but a money grabbing exercise by the AFL. As you say, finishing 7th to 10th provides you with a snowballs chance in hell of going deep into September. I wont be surprised if this concept doesnt last more than another season or two. Just like the ridiculous round zero garbage.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: IvanAwfulbigone on September 05, 2026, 08:48:41 am
Oh, the rain. The rain.
Many people hinting that Carlton “rode their luck” these last 14 weeks forget we played the 2 most capable wet weather teams … when it was wet.
No coincidence Geelong and Hawthorn are the most bulked and nuggety of teams. Stronger in the legs with associated better core strength means being able to keep your feet and pick the ball up with greater surety - two things they did better than us.
Huge advantage in the wet compared to us who rely on players executing a game plan with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 05, 2026, 08:50:30 am
I think we went in with our best balanced team. That was until we saw the weather forecast. In the end, Young was not needed and we needed an extra small. Wet conditions, marking is more difficult, ball spend more time on the ground, you need more smalls to adapt.
I think the weather exposed our game plan.
I think it exposed our forwards as not good enough.
I think the poor performers from last week were the same this week. Young, Byrne, gov, Kemp.
We missed Hayward.
We missed Haynes. Derkson was not up to same level. We got exposed when Harry Dean went off.
Nobody told Frankie it was raining. Clone him.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 05, 2026, 08:53:51 am
I think we need to move all of our home games to the MCG or all of them to Marvel.
It's not a coincidence Carlton and Essendon have gone to crap since they don't have a home ground.
The MCG was a fortress for us for a little while and Docklands was an achilles heel. It seems thats flipped around. Problem is, finals arent played at Marvel (see Syd and the SCG).
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 05, 2026, 09:00:02 am
Many people hinting that Carlton “rode their luck” these last 14 weeks forget we played the 2 most capable wet weather teams … when it was wet.
No coincidence Geelong and Hawthorn are the most bulked and nuggety of teams. Stronger in the legs with associated better core strength means being able to keep your feet and pick the ball up with greater surety - two things they did better than us.
Huge advantage in the wet compared to us who rely on players executing a game plan with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker.
Agree but dont underestimate the coaching mastery of Scott. He flipped the script at qtr time, he put the Irish Vice Grips on Jagga, told his ruckman to push the ball wide at the centre ball ups and extend ours aerobically around the ground. We like to make the ground wide, they took that to the next level whilst blocking our ability to do so after qtr time. It was a master class to be honest.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: madbluboy on September 05, 2026, 09:06:20 am
I think we need to move all of our home games to the MCG or all of them to Marvel.
It's not a coincidence Carlton and Essendon have gone to crap since they don't have a home ground.
The MCG was a fortress for us for a little while and Docklands was an achilles heel. It seems thats flipped around. Problem is, finals arent played at Marvel (see Syd and the SCG).
The problem is no home ground advantage.
To finish top 4 you have to win as many games as you can.
We haven't finished the home and away season top 4 since we left Princes Park. The Bombers barring 2000/2001 when they were already a powerhouse might be the same.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: madbluboy on September 05, 2026, 09:09:08 am
One the rain really came down we were screwed. Bailey Smith and co become roo slippery. They played the percentages. We were trying to take speccies
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 05, 2026, 09:11:08 am
The MCG was a fortress for us for a little while and Docklands was an achilles heel. It seems thats flipped around. Problem is, finals arent played at Marvel (see Syd and the SCG).
The problem is no home ground advantage.
To finish top 4 you have to win as many games as you can.
We haven't finished the home and away season top 4 since we left Princes Park. The Bombers barring 2000/2001 when they were already a powerhouse might be the same.
I get the sentiment of this, but there are 2 problems with this.
1. That was not Geelongs home ground, it was more of ours. 2. Every game we play (except maybe Collingwood??) our crowd is louder by comparison, so we make it a home crowd at least.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: shawny on September 05, 2026, 10:58:29 am
I'm very proud of our boys.
Couldn't stop Geelong's spread after halftime. They had the legs on the outside and we couldn't go with them - Very different game imo if we had the same lead in they did - the last 14 games playing to that intensity every week was sooner or later going to take its toll. Still they gave everything and were righty cheered leaving the ground. I expect them to be better next year with a full pre season under Fraser and further development of the kids.
Clear some of the dead wood and get in a few more pieces in the trade period and if they perform like this year's traded players - watch out for us in 27!
I will be wearing my Blues Beanie proudly today and hope all fans to do the same!
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 05, 2026, 11:09:51 am
One the rain really came down we were screwed. Bailey Smith and co become roo slippery. They played the percentages. We were trying to take speccies
I didnt feel like the "rain really came down". I looked light and misty from my vantage point. To me, I didnt think the rain was much a of factor.
I'm the same. We went out to a good lead in the wet. Wildcard sides are at a great disadvantage with no break after the H & A season, as it should be too. VFL has shown that in the 3 years they have had it. One win but losses by an average of 60pts for the rest. In control 45 min in but once fatigue kicked in we dropped right off after half time. The wet then mades that even worse. Last 45 min last night it was the equivalent of playing with just one on the bench. We were knackered and Geelong ran away. Maybe some issues with our wet weather play but I'd like more than 2 games to comment on that. We were just out of legs this time.
Top 6 early in a finals series is now so important. Glad we had the wildcard. Doesn't feel like then we were in the 8 one week and straight out first game We had a win, which will only help our young blokes.
Was a fun ride.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 05, 2026, 11:11:16 am
The MCG was a fortress for us for a little while and Docklands was an achilles heel. It seems thats flipped around. Problem is, finals arent played at Marvel (see Syd and the SCG).
The problem is no home ground advantage.
To finish top 4 you have to win as many games as you can.
We haven't finished the home and away season top 4 since we left Princes Park. The Bombers barring 2000/2001 when they were already a powerhouse might be the same.
Yes, that top 4 now is the next step.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Blue Moon on September 05, 2026, 11:13:31 am
While it was a disappointing end, on reflection it probably wasn't that unexpected, no matter what we may of hoped or dreamed. Geelong is a very well organised team and specialise in one off performances like last night. They often work out a game plan to defeat an opponent and then implement it but will struggle the following week. They had two weeks to prepare for us. As I have said many times, if you can't kick and handball to your team mates, then there is no game plan. However Carlton did continue to try and implement their plan the whole night. Dangerfield was able to impose his will on the game whereas none of our top players could. Besides E.Hollands and the two Irish guys, we had Motlop, O'Farrell, Chesser and Carroll out to LTIs, as well as Newman, Haynes, and Hayward to injuries, all improve our team and player depth when available. B.Camporeale, L.Camporeale, Ison, Charleson, Chesser, Riley, O'Keeffe, Moir and Byrne need to develop more and improve, and if we pick up Khamis and Amartey, along with Walker and maybe a couple of others, we should be able to sustain improvement over the long term. We have been where we are now a few times over the past 25 years and each time it has turned to custard. Hopefully we will have learnt from our mistakes and we can seize the opportunity this time. After the 92,000 and 97,000 attendance figures at our finals games, it is clear to me that the over punishment of Carlton for our salary cap rorting, and the refusal to give us draft concessions ten years ago, like the AFL has given all other teams, it has cost the AFL millions over the years. Well done AFL. If we do get to where I think we can, and it has been a torturous journey so far, then we will have done it on our own merits. Go Blues.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LordLucifer on September 05, 2026, 11:40:45 am
Besides E.Hollands and the two Irish guys, we had Motlop, O'Farrell, Chesser and Carroll out to LTIs, as well as Newman, Haynes, and Hayward to injuries, all improve our team and player depth when available. B.Camporeale, L.Camporeale, Ison, Charleson, Chesser, Riley, O'Keeffe, Moir and Byrne need to develop more and improve, and if we pick up Khamis and Amartey, along with Walker and maybe a couple of others, we should be able to sustain improvement over the long term.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Shakin77 on September 05, 2026, 11:48:13 am
You missed a line through the 2nd Chesser...
Cats (like the Hawks) played a pretty high press. We weren't able to execute our short kicking game and the wet didn't help. Cats also moved the ball so much better. We often handballed or kicked to a guy under pressure. Sides have had time to have a bit of a look at the changes Fraser made. Scott did it very well. Cats far too good on the night. Work to be done
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on September 05, 2026, 11:50:55 am
I think we need to move all of our home games to the MCG or all of them to Marvel.
It's not a coincidence Carlton and Essendon have gone to crap since they don't have a home ground.
I wish we could have just one home ground, but the AFL do not want Victorian teams having a home ground advantage. The only team that has has one is Geelong, and we all know how differently they have been treated.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Bluesers on September 05, 2026, 11:51:07 am
They smashed us. Lucky we got that close. Good ride but I think we all knew we've been lucky. Think we can improve next year. Just a couple of tweaks is all we need. 1. Enough with Young. 2. ..... that's it
Correct, just a matter of when, not if, we hit the wall. A good result from a train wreck start to the year. Young has to go, as does McGovern, Acres, plus 1 or 2 others who are not up to it.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: PaulP on September 05, 2026, 12:14:34 pm
I think the players deserve to be judged on a full season. I would struggle to name one clear winner last night. Maybe a couple of break evens, and that's about it IMO. Most of our guys played average to poor. I wouldn't be kicking McGovern, Acres etc to the kerb based solely on last night's game. McGovern has absolutely earned his extension, looking at his full 2026.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on September 05, 2026, 12:51:43 pm
I think the players deserve to be judged on a full season. I would struggle to name one clear winner last night. Maybe a couple of break evens, and that's about it IMO. Most of our guys played average to poor. I wouldn't be kicking McGovern, Acres etc to the kerb based solely on last night's game. McGovern has absolutely earned his extension, looking at his full 2026.
I thought Walsh was clearly our best, Hewett had a lot of footy but I suspect little impact. Weitering was well on top before being smashed by Neale, just another accident. I suppose the usual suspects will role up here telling us how soft Weiters is and why he should be traded! ::)
There is a toll paid when you try to better teams like the Handbaggers, they are willing to go that step beyond fair to get a result, and they are coached in it. They bury knees into hips and backs in marking contests, take legs out from under opponents, block hinder and push to the limits of the rules and often beyond, they happily give away the free if the opportunity to bruise an ear or two surfaces. All the time claiming an injustice at peak voice.
You can't defeat them by colouring inside the lines, we just never seem to learn that.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: PaulP on September 05, 2026, 01:17:11 pm
I thought Walsh was clearly our best, Hewett had a lot of footy but I suspect little impact. Weitering was well on top before being smashed by Neale, just another accident. I suppose the usual suspects will role up here telling us how soft Weiters is and why he should be traded! ::)
There is a toll paid when you try to better teams like the Handbaggers, they are willing to go that step beyond fair to get a result, and they are coached in it. They bury knees into hips and backs in marking contests, take legs out from under opponents, block hinder and push to the limits of the rules and often beyond, they happily give away the free if the opportunity to bruise an ear or two surfaces. All the time claiming an injustice at peak voice.
You can't defeat them by colouring inside the lines, we just never seem to learn that.
Personally, I've not really a fan of the "we're too nice" trope. I've been hearing this for years, and whatever other issues I have with it, it basically condemns several generations of coaches, players, administrators etc to the status of blind ignoramuses, scardey-cats, or an endless parade of placid, semi pacifist individuals of extremely high moral caliber.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: PaulP on September 05, 2026, 01:19:25 pm
It also seems to get wheeled out mostly when we lose.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 05, 2026, 01:29:25 pm
I thought Walsh was clearly our best, Hewett had a lot of footy but I suspect little impact. Weitering was well on top before being smashed by Neale, just another accident. I suppose the usual suspects will role up here telling us how soft Weiters is and why he should be traded! ::)
There is a toll paid when you try to better teams like the Handbaggers, they are willing to go that step beyond fair to get a result, and they are coached in it. They bury knees into hips and backs in marking contests, take legs out from under opponents, block hinder and push to the limits of the rules and often beyond, they happily give away the free if the opportunity to bruise an ear or two surfaces. All the time claiming an injustice at peak voice.
You can't defeat them by colouring inside the lines, we just never seem to learn that.
Personally, I've not really a fan of the "we're too nice" trope. I've been hearing this for years, and whatever other issues I have with it, it basically condemns several generations of coaches, players, administrators etc to the status of blind ignoramuses, scardey-cats, or an endless parade of placid, semi pacifist individuals of extremely high moral caliber.
Agree.
Where we physically dominated? Pushed around? Scared??
No.
We put our body on the line. We stood up for teammates. We pushed and shoved as much as we needed too.
Did we miss some tackles? Yes. Did they? Yes. Does every team? Yes. Look at our run down tackles last week. Same players. They get scared during the week??
So....do we want to encourage our guys to 'stretch the rules' in order to get an advantage? I'd argue we do that already in certain ways......cripps has a nice 'crow throw' and george does a good 'selwood drop' to get frees. Do we need to borderline assault the opposition to win games? I don't think so.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: blueboys_1 on September 05, 2026, 01:29:40 pm
I think we went in with our best balanced team. That was until we saw the weather forecast. In the end, Young was not needed and we needed an extra small. Wet conditions, marking is more difficult, ball spend more time on the ground, you need more smalls to adapt.
I think the weather exposed our game plan.
I think it exposed our forwards as not good enough.
I think the poor performers from last week were the same this week. Young, Byrne, gov, Kemp.
We missed Hayward.
We missed Haynes. Derkson was not up to same level. We got exposed when Harry Dean went off.
Nobody told Frankie it was raining. Clone him.
Yep pretty much agree with most of that. Before I give my two cents worth, I just want to say what a year we have had. Weeks 1-9 were just so demoralised personally for me. Never felt so distant from the club from a supporters point of view this year as I have since I started following them as a 6 year old. The second half of the season even though I did not get to many games for one reason or another I felt my old self showing my colours and being proud to be a blues supporter. Instead of people bagging me people were saying how good we had become, 2nd only to Freemantle in wins and form for the second half of the year. I was so excited and proud to be a bagger.
Getting to the game I think we handled the conditions poorly and made poor decisions, trying to play dry weather football. Trying to pinpoint passes, and not taking marks on the chest played in Geelong's hands; Byrne come to mind a couple of times. They handled the conditions so much better than us. There were other options when we switched to the middle but did not take them, instead kicking to a two on one situation far too many times causing turnovers which Geelong took full advantage of.
Dean did not look right coming back on after his face knock. Was accidentally kicked by one of our own players I think. Forward line was non existent, with Gov and Kemp kicking only one goal between them. We missed Haywood and Haynes and a whole lot more.
My only issue is, does Fraser have a plan B, because Plan A did not work last night. Onto 2027 and a great year for the baggers. I hope it is not a repeat of 2024.
Go Bluesssss.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 05, 2026, 01:31:56 pm
Dean did not look right coming back on after his face knock. Was accidentally kicked by one of our own players I think.
Lewis Young was the culprit.
Had 3 kicks to 3/4 time, none of them effective. His most effective kick was the one to Deans head....but that didn't make it on the stat sheet! ::)
i thought it was pittonets shin
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Professer E on September 05, 2026, 02:21:07 pm
Just once I'd like to see someone like Pitto put his knee at full pace into say Neale's back, all in a legitimate marking attempt of course...or go in indiscriminately full bore knees and all into a contest like Dangerflog and have someone in a cats jumper come out hurt instead of one of our blokes.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 05, 2026, 02:22:40 pm
I think the players deserve to be judged on a full season. I would struggle to name one clear winner last night. Maybe a couple of break evens, and that's about it IMO. Most of our guys played average to poor. I wouldn't be kicking McGovern, Acres etc to the kerb based solely on last night's game. McGovern has absolutely earned his extension, looking at his full 2026.
It's not just based on last nights game, several in our team are just stocking stuffers with generally average skills and questionable decision making - and are in the team because at the moment there are no obvious or fit replacements. Until drafting and/or recruiting find better replacements then these type of players will continue to make up the numbers unfortunately. If you think these guys are good enough, then youre allowed to have a different opinion to mine. The bottom 5-6 in our regular side are a lead weight dragging us down, and will get a lift in the occasional good game when our better half of players all have a very good game, But are found wanting when our team gets over run or the conditions don't suit our game style. They are slow, tired looking, and have poor decision making and multiple skill errors. These issues won't improve because of their ages, so we are stuck with some of them until we get better recruits.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 05, 2026, 03:05:01 pm
He had an absolute shocker. His papers were stamped before last nights horror game
Yet he is still the best option for that roll that we have.......which is a blight on our list management.
We should've had players to do this roll drafted years ago, but constant neglect has left us here.
Very true, which is why several of these duds get games every week. If there's even a remote chance that Blakey wants to leave, then we should make him our trade priority this year.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 05, 2026, 04:01:14 pm
Yet he is still the best option for that roll that we have.......which is a blight on our list management.
We should've had players to do this roll drafted years ago, but constant neglect has left us here.
Very true, which is why several of these duds get games every week. If there's even a remote chance that Blakey wants to leave, then we should make him our trade priority this year.
As good of a player that he is, I don't think we could sell it courtesy of our Carlton Respects campaign.
It would hurt the club and everything its trying to do. Unless we could somehow manage to get him to be a poster boy of righting wrongs etc etc Propaganda machine would need to be in orverdrive for that to happen.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on September 05, 2026, 04:36:17 pm
While investigations continue there is no way any club should consider chasing the Swans players involved in the alleged incident.
And with no set time frame on those investigations the players will remain in limbo in terms of movement. It may stretch well past the trade period.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 05, 2026, 06:02:10 pm
If we actually recruited a semi decent ruck/forward we wouldn't have needed to play Young.
It's why I liked Casboult. Jack of all trades, master if none. but was very handy Jack in all of those trades.
Probably going to be left to Harry again next year. We'll likely get Amartey, not my first choice but a decent enough player to support Harry. Makes it a bit easier to play Harry in that role and not have Kemp and Gov left there when he rucks.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 05, 2026, 06:05:54 pm
If we actually recruited a semi decent ruck/forward we wouldn't have needed to play Young.
It's why I liked Casboult. Jack of all trades, master if none. but was very handy Jack in all of those trades.
Probably going to be left to Harry again next year. We'll likely get Amartey, not my first choice but a decent enough player to support Harry. Makes it a bit easier to play Harry in that role and not have Kemp and Gov left there when he rucks.
Its why i was so 'positive' on Jack Silvagni.
Having him as a 2nd ruck was great for team balance and why we never needed 2 rucks. Forward/back/ruck.....Young is a poor version of Silvagni and worse in all 3 areas......but still the best we have.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 05, 2026, 06:07:35 pm
Very true, which is why several of these duds get games every week. If there's even a remote chance that Blakey wants to leave, then we should make him our trade priority this year.
As good of a player that he is, I don't think we could sell it courtesy of our Carlton Respects campaign.
It would hurt the club and everything its trying to do. Unless we could somehow manage to get him to be a poster boy of righting wrongs etc etc Propaganda machine would need to be in orverdrive for that to happen.
I think there's talk that Blakey was hard done by. If that's the case, go for him, but we'll have to wait to see what comes out to see if that's correct. Blakey isn't at all happy with the club and wants out.
Heard Chris Davies interviewed on SEN. Says the club wanted a key forward, and running mid, and another running defender come the trade/draft. Blakey, Walker and Amartey would be a decent set of gains.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on September 05, 2026, 06:20:11 pm
As good of a player that he is, I don't think we could sell it courtesy of our Carlton Respects campaign.
It would hurt the club and everything its trying to do. Unless we could somehow manage to get him to be a poster boy of righting wrongs etc etc Propaganda machine would need to be in orverdrive for that to happen.
I think there's talk that Blakey was hard done by. If that's the case, go for him, but we'll have to wait to see what comes out to see if that's correct. Blakey isn't at all happy with the club and wants out.
Heard Chris Davies interviewed on SEN. Says the club wanted a key forward, and running mid, and another running defender come the trade/draft. Blakey, Walker and Amartey would be a decent set of gains.
The problem with the trying to bring these guys is that a brief of evidence could take longer than the trader period date (ie it wont be ready until after the trade period). Who in their right mind would take a risk on a Heeney or a Blakey or a Warner during the trade period with the potential of charges laid hanging over their head. They may have no other option but to sit tight at the Swans (assuming they are wanted and their contracts arent torn up).
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 05, 2026, 06:32:48 pm
I think there's talk that Blakey was hard done by. If that's the case, go for him, but we'll have to wait to see what comes out to see if that's correct. Blakey isn't at all happy with the club and wants out.
Heard Chris Davies interviewed on SEN. Says the club wanted a key forward, and running mid, and another running defender come the trade/draft. Blakey, Walker and Amartey would be a decent set of gains.
The problem with the trying to bring these guys is that a brief of evidence could take longer than the trader period date (ie it wont be ready until after the trade period). Who in their right mind would take a risk on a Heeney or a Blakey or a Warner during the trade period with the potential of charges laid hanging over their head. They may have no other option but to sit tight at the Swans (assuming they are wanted and their contracts arent torn up).
Yes, and that is the issue for those players,
They might end up Delisted Free Agents in some cases if they tear up their contracts. Even them investigation may still be ongoing. It'd be hard to trade them and hard to keep them.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: northernblue on September 05, 2026, 06:40:57 pm
Disappointing way to finish the season IMO. It felt like earlier in the year, where we built up leads only to fritter them away.
I'm not so confident after last night that we have in fact turned a corner. Very good last 10/12/14 weeks of the season then making a bit of a dent in finals seems to be the best we can manage at the moment.
Between the weather and Geelongs changes we stopped our short game and went longer to Geelongs advantage. I’m also share a bit of trepidation about next year, I saw a graphic a few weeks ago listing the most successful interim coaches and our old friend D. Teague was there… I know Fraser has backed the youth this year and we remember that Teague sidelined the youth when he took over but next year we start at zero wins again…
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: tex on September 05, 2026, 07:08:44 pm
The other part of this is “who do we give up?”
Moir, Ison, HOF should all be on the table… even a Cowan (Tassie have pics remember). Motlop too can gtfo
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on September 05, 2026, 07:09:40 pm
At least some of the youth will have 2nd year Blues, youth nearly always have some form of dip after their first full season.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: tex on September 05, 2026, 07:09:50 pm
..and dare I say, Cripps.
The game is moving away from him, he’s ageing and who can really tell me he’s part of our next flag.
Watch me get shot down for this
Cripps for Jobe Shanahan, their 1st rounder, and that HBF we’ve been chasing…
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: PaulP on September 05, 2026, 07:10:08 pm
Between the weather and Geelongs changes we stopped our short game and went longer to Geelongs advantage. I’m also share a bit of trepidation about next year, I saw a graphic a few weeks ago listing the most successful interim coaches and our old friend D. Teague was there… I know Fraser has backed the youth this year and we remember that Teague sidelined the youth when he took over but next year we start at zero again…
Yep, all clubs start at zero and have to go through it all over again.
I wouldn't worry about comparing records across coaching types (rookie, premiership, interim etc.) Neither Josh Fraser, nor Chris Scott, nor any one individual will get us back to the top. The change to a winning culture needs to happen across the entire organization.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: PaulP on September 05, 2026, 07:12:56 pm
The game is moving away from him, he’s ageing and who can really tell me he’s part of our next flag.
Watch me get shot down for this
I doubt you'll get shot down, but certainly some push back. He's played fantastic footy in the last few months. The game has been passing him by for about 6 years straight.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: tex on September 05, 2026, 07:18:29 pm
Cripps and Kemp for Amiss and Reid?
That helps Freos win now and helps our future?
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: northernblue on September 05, 2026, 07:40:31 pm
Between the weather and Geelongs changes we stopped our short game and went longer to Geelongs advantage. I’m also share a bit of trepidation about next year, I saw a graphic a few weeks ago listing the most successful interim coaches and our old friend D. Teague was there… I know Fraser has backed the youth this year and we remember that Teague sidelined the youth when he took over but next year we start at zero again…
Yep, all clubs start at zero and have to go through it all over again.
I wouldn't worry about comparing records across coaching types (rookie, premiership, interim etc.) Neither Josh Fraser, nor Chris Scott, nor any one individual will get us back to the top. The change to a winning culture needs to happen across the entire organization.
I guess Fraser has ignited a winning culture, even if it is to our 2026 draft detriment. Carlton and tanking are now officially divorced.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: PaulP on September 05, 2026, 07:48:33 pm
I guess Fraser has ignited a winning culture, even if it is to our 2026 draft detriment. Carlton and tanking are now officially divorced.
We can only hope it's forever.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 05, 2026, 11:15:34 pm
Wonder in hindsight if we should've rested a heap of players in that last round against Freo. First year of the wildcard and we didn't know the effects although the VFL having it for a few years now might've been a giveaway.
I'm sure sides will be doing that next year now if the opportunity arises to do so.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: RiverRat on September 05, 2026, 11:58:29 pm
Young earned his place in the team after spending much of the season in the VFL
Young had reached his ceiling and found wanting at AFL. Best to give someone else a go. Even a MSD pick might be OK
Why do we persist with players that won’t be part of a premiership team?
With that logic none of our players should be persisted with.
Its the worst way to manage a list. You never go forwards because you cast off players who might have a bigger say than others at that point in their careers. Some of the guys we are going to cut are in the prime of their career and have max 2 years of their best footy in them.
Some of the guys we are going to keep are a week to week proposition.
Some of them have 10 years of footy in front of them.
Which ones isnt about whos in our next flag, its whos going to play for us next season. Guys like newman and haynes are unlikely to feature in our next flag, but come round 1 2027, they're in line for selection because they're good enough.
Thats how you breed competition for spots, and hunger to win a flag. Not by rewarding kids because they might be good enough one day, or by flinging loose 27 year olds because they arent Wayne Carey. Thats cutting players for the sake of it.
Who goes should solely be about what comes in to replace them and what else can realistically be rexruited to replace them.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 06, 2026, 09:31:26 am
Young earned his place in the team after spending much of the season in the VFL
Young had reached his ceiling and found wanting at AFL. Best to give someone else a go. Even a MSD pick might be OK
Why do we persist with players that won’t be part of a premiership team?
There isn't anyone else, this is the problem. We have refused to draft someone to move into these roles when we know they are not up to it. HOK was the great white hope and turned out to be a lot worse than young.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: RiverRat on September 06, 2026, 10:08:25 am
Young earned his place in the team after spending much of the season in the VFL
Young had reached his ceiling and found wanting at AFL. Best to give someone else a go. Even a MSD pick might be OK
Why do we persist with players that won’t be part of a premiership team?
With so many teams in the league (and another one on the way) the depth of talent has never been worse and the mechanisms for recruiting or developing better players (especially tall options) have never been so strained. You only need to look at our VFL team to realise that the number of players capable of playing better than guys like Young are few and far between.
Dropping players from the list - just because of limitations to their potential ceilings - could well consign a club to long-term failure - e.g. since 1995.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: bratblue on September 06, 2026, 12:12:14 pm
Was Austins greatest failing that he couldn't find a couple of understudy KPF's and the reason why he was shown the door?
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on September 06, 2026, 12:29:18 pm
Was Austins greatest failing that he couldn't find a couple of understudy KPF's and the reason why he was shown the door?
No, because as we know, our list management is determined by committee with the coach, head of football and CEO all involved and sharing responsibility for direction and decisions. Another couple of KPPs would be nice, but not if they're like Harry Lemmey or Josh Schache.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on September 06, 2026, 02:10:36 pm
No, because as we know, our list management is determined by committee with the coach, head of football and CEO all involved and sharing responsibility for direction and decisions. Another couple of KPPs would be nice, but not if they're like Harry Lemmey or Josh Schache.
It's not lost on me, that only a short while ago when we had Lemmey and a couple of others, a lot of fans complained the list was top heavy. At the time fans were content with Harry and Charlie with Pitto on hand and TDK coming into contention, and most were busy screaming for more midfield depth.
Now we have a midfield bonanza, at least at the moment, TDK and Charlie have buggered off, and all of a sudden it's list mismanagement!
Some navigate list management like Captain Jack Sparrow's crazy compass, always pointing to what you desire without showing you a direction!
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: madbluboy on September 06, 2026, 02:23:17 pm
Showed you a list management thread from years ago and you ignored it. Then you wait a few weeks and come back with the same lies.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 06, 2026, 04:24:22 pm
Young earned his place in the team after spending much of the season in the VFL
Young had reached his ceiling and found wanting at AFL. Best to give someone else a go. Even a MSD pick might be OK
Why do we persist with players that won’t be part of a premiership team?
We've had a trillion players come and go since out last flag so god knows who'll be in our next premiership team, although after this year and another pre-season to properly work on things we may have much of the side hopefully now. Even premiership teams have average players.
I don't know what to do with Young. Let him go, keep him for depth. He looked like being damn close to a premiership player in 2021 when the Dogs led by 19pts just past midway through the 3rd qtr. Then, like Geelong last year, suddenly fell in a complete heap. Before you get rid of him, the question is, can be find a better option.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 06, 2026, 04:29:36 pm
Was Austins greatest failing that he couldn't find a couple of understudy KPF's and the reason why he was shown the door?
The perception of your List Manager comes down to whether you're winning and losing at the time. This year we did both in blocks this year. Looked a dud for a while, now looks good with who is performing. List Manager can pick the players, then up to the development, with the draftees at least.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on September 06, 2026, 05:12:27 pm
We had a pretty balanced list....probably just needed a bit of run. Then a Key forward, an athletic ruck/ forward and a key defender gave us the old 'finger' and walked out the door. They left. They turned their back on us. We can debate who or what was responsible for that... ::) It wouldn't have been close to being all on Austin.
Austin's draft/trade strategy through much of 2025 would not have been geared to replacing Curnow and Silvagni. He probably would have accepted he couldn't match the DeKoning offer. He was thrown a curve with the departures, but handled it quite well. It took a bit of time, and it wasn't until towards the second half of the season we saw the fruits of some of those labours.
Few lists are complete. We're a work in progress, with some good youth coming through. Obviously though, there were some shortcomings identified in Austin's work, and it will be interesting to see the focus during this years trade and draft period. That may give us an indication of where Austin fell short of expectations.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 06, 2026, 06:29:18 pm
Was Austins greatest failing that he couldn't find a couple of understudy KPF's and the reason why he was shown the door?
No, because as we know, our list management is determined by committee with the coach, head of football and CEO all involved and sharing responsibility for direction and decisions. Another couple of KPPs would be nice, but not if they're like Harry Lemmey or Josh Schache.
Someone has the final say. Committee or not, there is a boss.
Same with Voss. By your logic, since we sacked Voss, we should've sacked the rest of the committee as well!
Can't have it both ways.
FYI, the coach, the head of football and the ceo have all changed in the past 12 months. So why should Austin be spared?
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 06, 2026, 06:30:31 pm
No, because as we know, our list management is determined by committee with the coach, head of football and CEO all involved and sharing responsibility for direction and decisions. Another couple of KPPs would be nice, but not if they're like Harry Lemmey or Josh Schache.
It's not lost on me, that only a short while ago when we had Lemmey and a couple of others, a lot of fans complained the list was top heavy. At the time fans were content with Harry and Charlie with Pitto on hand and TDK coming into contention, and most were busy screaming for more midfield depth.
Now we have a midfield bonanza, at least at the moment, TDK and Charlie have buggered off, and all of a sudden it's list mismanagement!
Some navigate list management like Captain Jack Sparrow's crazy compass, always pointing to what you desire without showing you a direction!
Who was those fans that were complaining it was top heavy?
As best as i can recall, there was only 1 person who suggested as much and it was based purely on heights rather than ability to play the positions, and that was DJC.
Don't recall anyone else saying that.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on September 06, 2026, 06:44:50 pm
It's not lost on me, that only a short while ago when we had Lemmey and a couple of others, a lot of fans complained the list was top heavy. At the time fans were content with Harry and Charlie with Pitto on hand and TDK coming into contention, and most were busy screaming for more midfield depth.
Now we have a midfield bonanza, at least at the moment, TDK and Charlie have buggered off, and all of a sudden it's list mismanagement!
Some navigate list management like Captain Jack Sparrow's crazy compass, always pointing to what you desire without showing you a direction!
Who was those fans that were complaining it was top heavy?
As best as i can recall, there was only 1 person who suggested as much and it was based purely on heights rather than ability to play the positions, and that was DJC.
Don't recall anyone else saying that.
I think your recall may be faulty, Kruddler. I'd prefer a top heavy team over a vertically-challenged team, provided that the big lads can play footy.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 06, 2026, 06:59:08 pm
Who was those fans that were complaining it was top heavy?
As best as i can recall, there was only 1 person who suggested as much and it was based purely on heights rather than ability to play the positions, and that was DJC.
Don't recall anyone else saying that.
I think your recall may be faulty, Kruddler. I'd prefer a top heavy team over a vertically-challenged team, provided that the big lads can play footy.
Was it not you who was saying we didn't need anymore talls because the number on our list was the same as the number on other lists??
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on September 06, 2026, 07:57:02 pm
I think your recall may be faulty, Kruddler. I'd prefer a top heavy team over a vertically-challenged team, provided that the big lads can play footy.
Was it not you who was saying we didn't need anymore talls because the number on our list was the same as the number on other lists??
Yes, but that was before we lost four talls and got only one back. However, my position has always been that there's no point adding talls if they can't play.
I'm a firm believer in the "a good big man will always beat a good little man" adage but with "good" being the operative word.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 06, 2026, 10:01:34 pm
Was it not you who was saying we didn't need anymore talls because the number on our list was the same as the number on other lists??
Yes, but that was before we lost four talls and got only one back. However, my position has always been that there's no point adding talls if they can't play.
I'm a firm believer in the "a good big man will always beat a good little man" adage but with "good" being the operative word.
Thats the point, the past....not now.
I think you've misread something somewhere.
LP was stating fans were sayong we were top heavy in the past....when we had lemmey etc.
You were the only one i ever heard suggesting anything of the sort.
In short.....LP is talking BS again.
Just like the afl screwed up by playing the game on a friday night.....just a mere 96k there for a sellout crowd.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on September 06, 2026, 10:57:40 pm
Yes, but that was before we lost four talls and got only one back. However, my position has always been that there's no point adding talls if they can't play.
I'm a firm believer in the "a good big man will always beat a good little man" adage but with "good" being the operative word.
Thats the point, the past....not now.
I think you've misread something somewhere.
LP was stating fans were sayong we were top heavy in the past....when we had lemmey etc.
You were the only one i ever heard suggesting anything of the sort.
In short.....LP is talking BS again.
Just like the afl screwed up by playing the game on a friday night.....just a mere 96k there for a sellout crowd.
Again, I don’t believe that I ever suggested that we were top heavy. I did point out that our ratio of talls to smalls in 2025 was similar to most other clubs.
For the record, I’m a two ruckmen kind of guy … provided that the two ruckmen can both have an impact when they’re not rucking.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on September 06, 2026, 11:00:18 pm
@kruddler You do realise people are free to go back and see what was written, I suspect you're betting they won't be bothered. But they will all remember the debates around KPPs and Rucks, it must be burned into their retina! :D
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 07, 2026, 06:31:28 am
Fraser talking to the players post game.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FNeFo7dfr/
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on September 07, 2026, 08:17:22 am
It's a great insight, a simple message delivered clearly, you can't leave that meeting not understanding clearly what Fraser thinks, and why you should not be celebrating the season too much while still taking some positives from the short achievement.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Thryleon on September 07, 2026, 08:37:09 am
LP was stating fans were sayong we were top heavy in the past....when we had lemmey etc.
You were the only one i ever heard suggesting anything of the sort.
In short.....LP is talking BS again.
Just like the afl screwed up by playing the game on a friday night.....just a mere 96k there for a sellout crowd.
Again, I don’t believe that I ever suggested that we were top heavy. I did point out that our ratio of talls to smalls in 2025 was similar to most other clubs.
For the record, I’m a two ruckmen kind of guy … provided that the two ruckmen can both have an impact when they’re not rucking.
This debate has waged in many threads but ill summarise as follows from my memory:
We havent recruited enough talls often enough was one perspective along with too many smalls. The opposing perspective was that we have recruited plenty of each type but all of them have shortfalls at AFL level, which results in we need more of everything.
Sometimes the argument was then paraphrased into assuming that this meant we had enough, but the reality (according to me) is, that we were gambling on our good players staying fit, because they were all guns, and then trying to fill the gaps between them. This rehash and paraphrasing is why it was a never ending debate, because as we see in this topic, the opposing viewpoint was dismissed because it was transformed into a different argument about who was more right, rather than what was more right.
Which was the most pressing need? Turns out, that both was correct on this years evidence. Im not sure we have missed the talls, but getting in Ainsworth, Florent, Hayward, Evans, Jagga and co was tantamount to turning things around because we got halfway through a list build, sacked the list manager, sacked the coach because we needed to win, and ended up with a mish mash of aging players that couldnt help us take the next step any longer and failed to fill the gaps.
I think thats about as close as it gets to summarising. The irony is not lost on me, that last season, we delisted Harry Lemmy to go with the departing JSOS, TDK and Curnow situation, and still managed to cover those absences with a delisted free agent in Wade Derkson, a draftee in Harry Dean, and what was already here, and this was the doomsday scenario of losing Weitering for an elongated period of time. Still, we do need more quality talls as on history we got a bit lucky with Mckay and Pittonet being robust, and we could use some more grunt through the running players. With Walker coming in, and hopefully HOF returning, that means we need a more project ruck forward through the draft again and as we saw on the weekend another medium swing type because Mcgovern, Haynes and Newman arent getting any younger.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on September 07, 2026, 09:35:30 am
The way I see it is this... "What we should have done" is redundant, obsolete and a pointless debate. Those responsible for that list building oversight have now departed. They're gone.
It's like looking in the rear view mirror to see a car crash. Look back and you're likely to miss the truck braking in front of you.
It's what matters in the future that is important. We can all identify the gaps we think we need to fill. If we can do it, so can Wright and Davies and their minions.
It then becomes a matter of what is available. And we're in competition with 17 (soon 18) other clubs. It's easy to say let's go to the Gold Coast and get King. But King has to want to make that move, with consideration of other offers on his mind. Negotiations only ever work 'one way' on a keyboard. In real life there are a lot of other factors that play into a players decision as to where they play.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on September 07, 2026, 11:22:05 am
Again, I don’t believe that I ever suggested that we were top heavy. I did point out that our ratio of talls to smalls in 2025 was similar to most other clubs.
For the record, I’m a two ruckmen kind of guy … provided that the two ruckmen can both have an impact when they’re not rucking.
This debate has waged in many threads but ill summarise as follows from my memory:
We havent recruited enough talls often enough was one perspective along with too many smalls. The opposing perspective was that we have recruited plenty of each type but all of them have shortfalls at AFL level, which results in we need more of everything.
Sometimes the argument was then paraphrased into assuming that this meant we had enough, but the reality (according to me) is, that we were gambling on our good players staying fit, because they were all guns, and then trying to fill the gaps between them. This rehash and paraphrasing is why it was a never ending debate, because as we see in this topic, the opposing viewpoint was dismissed because it was transformed into a different argument about who was more right, rather than what was more right.
Which was the most pressing need? Turns out, that both was correct on this years evidence. Im not sure we have missed the talls, but getting in Ainsworth, Florent, Hayward, Evans, Jagga and co was tantamount to turning things around because we got halfway through a list build, sacked the list manager, sacked the coach because we needed to win, and ended up with a mish mash of aging players that couldnt help us take the next step any longer and failed to fill the gaps.
I think thats about as close as it gets to summarising. The irony is not lost on me, that last season, we delisted Harry Lemmy to go with the departing JSOS, TDK and Curnow situation, and still managed to cover those absences with a delisted free agent in Wade Derkson, a draftee in Harry Dean, and what was already here, and this was the doomsday scenario of losing Weitering for an elongated period of time. Still, we do need more quality talls as on history we got a bit lucky with Mckay and Pittonet being robust, and we could use some more grunt through the running players. With Walker coming in, and hopefully HOF returning, that means we need a more project ruck forward through the draft again and as we saw on the weekend another medium swing type because Mcgovern, Haynes and Newman arent getting any younger.
Looks like we are recruiting Amartey but do need to develop a younger key forward through the VFL for a couple of years too. Can't be relying on Gov and Kemp to be 2nd KP forwards. They did a good job overall with mid 30s goals for the year, but it's not their role, especially when McKay goes into the ruck. Kemp's a good 3rd tall, until he kicks at goal. Just noticed he kicked 39.27 this year. Some of those 27 behinds though were stinkers but that is a damn good return. If he kicked well at goal he'd have been not far short of 50 goals. Another KP forward, even the like of Amartey, will help alot. Down back, Harry O'Farrell will be back is, adds some youth to a a defence that is, in a few cases, getting on in age.
Chris Davies on SEN, Saturday said we wanted another key forward, another mid, and a running half back. Amartey, Walker and Nick Blakey will be a nice way to cover that. Blakey dependent on a few things of course. Says he was hard done by and is angry, so if that's right i'm good with it, but we have to wait until we see what comes out first.
Every side has their holes but be nice to cover as many as possibly. After finishing "top of the ladder" after round 10 we are in next year right up to our neck. We need to recruit well to take advantage, and the player attitude to continue on as it finished this year. May not get a better chance.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Milhanna13 on September 07, 2026, 11:45:28 am
Started off like we wanted to really win it, finished like we were still being coached by Voss.
We played Hawthorn a while back in the rain and got spanked, tonight we didn't handle the slippery conditions again. It's clearly an issue that needs to be addressed.
What is also of serious concern to me is that some of our players who have been adequate for many weeks, crumbled under the pressure and did some extremely stupid things.
Young & Cottrell were braindead tonite, some of the things they did completely defy logic. Kemp going for the left foot checkside from the right forward pocket only to kick the ball in the middle and float it across goal to the opposite pocket where Cottrell took a chest mark. From the set shot, Cottrell kicked across the body and hit the post - two appalling choices let down by poor skills. I also wasn't impressed with Cottrell laughing when he hit the post, seriously champ, this is a cut-throat final which requres a little more focus than what you showed.
We got a few bum decisions from the umpires but that is not why we lost, we failed to maintain the pressure & chase like we have seen for many weeks.
Fraser got a coaching lesson tonite, we were all over them early and made them look second-rate, Scott made some subtle changes and they stormed back into the match.
Yes, it's been a really weird year for us with plenty to like but this elimination final showed just how far off the pace our list is and how we cannot cut corners in our pursuit for the ultimate success.
Scott definitely made some tweaks, they really got us on the counter and outside by backing themselves to sit a couple off the contest. Fraser didnt adjust the long kicks to Harry. Not sure how many marks he took but every mark he didnt mark it, when the bal hit the ground Geel punished us by taking it away. They needed to put it bed because Geel were waiting for it every single time. Our fwd line looked dysfunctional by large tonight, Stewart seem to gobble up everything, we played into their hands (literally).
Spot on
When it turned;
They had numbers just outside the contest, they cut off our handball out of the contest and had numbers to attack themselves. fraser didnt react to this
We all kept saying, at the ground - "do something with stewart" - should have manned cottrell up on him and tried to negate him. i know it was wet, but it was horrible to see the bombs down the line to H, again. felt like someone else was back in the coaches box
dean going off didnt help no haynes to go to danger didnt help the rain didnt help the 6 day break didnt help
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 07, 2026, 03:54:57 pm
@kruddler You do realise people are free to go back and see what was written, I suspect you're betting they won't be bothered. But they will all remember the debates around KPPs and Rucks, it must be burned into their retina! :D
Be my guest.
When others show you things from the past, you refuse to read them.
Now you want others to go back and find something to back up what you've said?
You provide the claim. You provide the evidence.
The ONE person i thought you could be referencing has distanced himself from those assertions, so good luck with that.
I'm sure there has been someone, somewhere that has said something alnog those lines at one point in time......but to imply that it was a widespread belief, is flat out BS.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on September 07, 2026, 04:27:37 pm
I'm sure there has been someone, somewhere that has said something alnog those lines at one point in time......but to imply that it was a widespread belief, is flat out BS.
My point was being made about fans who flip not a statement about the head count or populist vote, that's something you've assumed.
Whether it's 1% or 50%, it's not the count that matters it's the flip.
Much of the wider fan base only sort issue with talls recruiting after Charlie left, so many had argued we couldn't run both Harry and Charlie, a lot of the same very same loud critics complained we needed Mids and were too slow and heavy before that. It's pretty straight forward summary and can't be questioned because it's there in the posts and the quotes. If any want to back over previous claims and deny the flip then the record is there for cross checking.
Some probably still have nightmares about it! ;D
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: BlackRooster on September 07, 2026, 06:57:17 pm
Considering that after round 5 i had our season done and dusted. What Fraser and the team managed to do for the rest of the year was amazing. On Tonight, i thought Geelong where very well drilled on what to expect from and and it showed. Yes some umpiring decision were quote a musing.
Lets see how we now do over the trade period and see who we can bring in to makes us better.
Go Blues
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: dodge on September 07, 2026, 09:04:48 pm
The first quarter gave us hope - but again, if we were able to kick a couple of goals (one easy, a couple less easy), that gives greater confidence. Then Geelong started doing things differently - and we also changed...
We were made to kick down the line to contests - i don't remember us taking a contested mark from these, or easily roving, creating space and getting away with the ball. The other is it seemed Geelong were happy to stand off players a bit and outside of the periphery vision of our player with the ball, so kicking to a seemingly free player resulted in a mark to Geelong or a spoil. Happened time and time again.
Three bad decisions - non-free to Harry M being held 35 out on an angle, high contact to ducking Cat (Smith?) resulting in a goal, and the hold on Weiters in the goal square not looking at the ball, resulting in a mark and goal. Don't think it changed the outcome, but affects the attitude and mood. Don't think that Harry D was at his best when he came back on...
I don't think that we gave up - but weren't at our best.
Confession - we left a little early - missed our last two goals - had a grumpy wife & son and an early start for a Saturday.
The season ended up being a good ride from round 9 - may it be better and longer next year.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: deepbluesee on September 08, 2026, 07:51:29 am
Confession - we left a little early - missed our last two goals - had a grumpy wife & son and an early start for a Saturday.
I understand everyone has their own reason/justification for leaving early and not wanting to judge anyone but I was very disappointed with the number of Carlton supporters that left early on Fri. Sometimes miracles do happen and don't forget Jezza (the real one) once kicked 6 goals in 10 minutes. Plus I wanted to be there to cheer our team off. Go Blues in 2027 and beyond.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on September 08, 2026, 08:08:42 am
I understand everyone has their own reason/justification for leaving early and not wanting to judge anyone but I was very disappointed with the number of Carlton supporters that left early on Fri.
On top of perfectly valid reasons to leave, rain, cold, working on Saturday, getting a seat on the train, too late past bedtime, there are a lot of late season bandwagon supporters who have jumped on board. They wouldn't stick fat, and some were probably only there because the rain came after the start.
Years ago we'd leave the GF after 3/4-time to get the best spot at the bar, we'd usually have it all under control in the 3rd! ;D
I started hearing from people wanting to go to the games this year around Rnd 18, people I hadn't heard from for years!
Fans, barrackers and supporters.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Thryleon on September 08, 2026, 08:44:01 am
Confession - we left a little early - missed our last two goals - had a grumpy wife & son and an early start for a Saturday.
I understand everyone has their own reason/justification for leaving early and not wanting to judge anyone but I was very disappointed with the number of Carlton supporters that left early on Fri. Sometimes miracles do happen and don't forget Jezza (the real one) once kicked 6 goals in 10 minutes. Plus I wanted to be there to cheer our team off. Go Blues in 2027 and beyond.
Mate I was sitting there in the rain in row G on level 1 for 75% of the game, and when we fell 50 points behind, that was my signal to go because me and the Mrs were getting wet, and whilst we all support the club, every single club has fans that leave early once the game is gone.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: blueboys_1 on September 08, 2026, 10:32:34 am
I understand everyone has their own reason/justification for leaving early and not wanting to judge anyone but I was very disappointed with the number of Carlton supporters that left early on Fri. Sometimes miracles do happen and don't forget Jezza (the real one) once kicked 6 goals in 10 minutes. Plus I wanted to be there to cheer our team off. Go Blues in 2027 and beyond.
Mate I was sitting there in the rain in row G on level 1 for 75% of the game, and when we fell 50 points behind, that was my signal to go because me and the Mrs were getting wet, and whilst we all support the club, every single club has fans that leave early once the game is gone.
Again, there are lots of good reasons for people to leave (weather being one) and I don't want to sound too critical (but I am I know). I was top level, under cover and lots were leaving from that section. Just thought, being the last game as well as the great season finish, that the team deserved to be cheered off. More than anything, I was disappointed.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: RiverRat on September 08, 2026, 01:09:48 pm
Mate I was sitting there in the rain in row G on level 1 for 75% of the game, and when we fell 50 points behind, that was my signal to go because me and the Mrs were getting wet, and whilst we all support the club, every single club has fans that leave early once the game is gone.
Again, there are lots of good reasons for people to leave (weather being one)
Another couple of good reasons are trying to avoid the public transport crush and trying to avoid being out in public any later than necessary in crime-riddled Melbourne.
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Milhanna13 on September 08, 2026, 03:35:59 pm
Again, there are lots of good reasons for people to leave (weather being one)
Another couple of good reasons are trying to avoid the public transport crush and trying to avoid being out in public any later than necessary in crime-riddled Melbourne.
i was grateful for the early max-exodus, as it made the trudge to richmond station a million times easier than last week.... smoothed the exit out over 45mins, rather than all at once. not sure id seen brunton ave like it was last week, it was insane. this week (after the final siren) was a bit more normal
Title: Re: AFL EF#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on September 08, 2026, 04:23:37 pm
Mate I was sitting there in the rain in row G on level 1 for 75% of the game, and when we fell 50 points behind, that was my signal to go because me and the Mrs were getting wet, and whilst we all support the club, every single club has fans that leave early once the game is gone.
Again, there are lots of good reasons for people to leave (weather being one) and I don't want to sound too critical (but I am I know). I was top level, under cover and lots were leaving from that section. Just thought, being the last game as well as the great season finish, that the team deserved to be cheered off. More than anything, I was disappointed.
I've sat through many a 100 point thumping until the final siren sounded because 'thats what you do.' However, after seeing thousands leaving early in the 4th.....i along with my 11yo son took the chance to leave too. I made it clear that its not the done thing to leave early and explained to him why we were doing it. 1. It was a Friday night and he had been at school that day, and it was super late for him. Didn't get home until just before midnight IIRC. 2. We had to catch the train and you can potentially be stuck there for well over 30 minutes to an hour based on the amount of people there. 3. Being out that late in the city and/or around train stations is not the place to be, especially with a kid.
Incidently, there was a fatal shooting sunday night, 730pm in Thomastown.....which we had to pass through on the train on the way home, highlighting the dangers we are trying to avoid.
So i would normally be agreeing with you, but there are too many legitimate reasons these days to get upset with that.